Friday’s shocking news of Shaka Smart choosing to leave for Marquette means Texas has a head coaching vacancy. After the loss to Abilene Christian in the round of 64, it was time for Smart to be let go. Luckily, both sides were able to move on from each other without any real drama.
Six seasons in Austin and no NCAA Tournament wins. Smart’s Big 12 tournament win was a pleasant surprise, but to be successful as a college basketball coach, you have to win in March. Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte should be looking for a coach with consistent NCAA Tournament success.
As things stand, Texas will be going up against two programs for the top coaching names in the country: Indiana and Oklahoma. The Hoosiers fired Archie Miller after underperforming and legendary Lon Kruger retired after a decade in Norman.
If Texas can make the first move, they should be able to get their guy. Here are the three candidates that Texas should push after to replace Shaka Smart.